Charlie On the Wrong Side 2nd June 2010

Everyday I wonder where Charlie is now.

Charlie's blog

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When I went to get my Mongolian Visa, the consulate advised me it would be ready in a week.  A week?  You should have seen the look on the PSB’s face...what with my permit soon to expire and the deposit in the bank on the car forfeited..we had to cross today, there was no option. 

Taking a leaf out of my book, the PSB set about explaining to the consulate that it was a matter of utmost concern that I leave or else I could be imprisoned. 

After much deliberation (and no bribes) the visa would be ready for collection by 2pm today.

After clearing formalities, I passed under Freedom Bridge, said farewell to both my China Guide and the PLA soldiers who did one last inspection and headed across the border into Mongolia.

On the Mongolian side, a customs officer took pity on me and she helped me clear the car and myself through immigration, sending me on my way.  An even greater stroke of luck was that she processed my entry and exit visa at the border rather than me driving 600kms to Ulaanbaatar to get it done there.  I then met her in Zamyn Uud (Mongolian border town), where she got me a local SIM card.

www.onthewrongside.info

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